Attendees mourn for the victims of a coal mine gas explosion during a press conference in north China's Shanxi Province, May 23, 2026. A total of 82 people have been confirmed dead while two others remained missing after a coal mine gas explosion in north China's Shanxi Province on Friday, according to a press conference on Saturday. The gas explosion hit the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 p.m. on Friday. A total of 128 people are receiving treatment at hospitals. (Xinhua/Xu Xiong)
TAIYUAN, May 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 82 people have been confirmed dead while two others remained missing after a coal mine gas explosion in north China's Shanxi Province on Friday, officials said at a press conference on Saturday.
The gas explosion hit the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 p.m. on Friday.
A total of 128 people are receiving treatment at hospitals, including two in critical condition and two in serious condition.
Officials at the press conference attributed the initial inaccurate figures to chaos at the scene and the company's failure to provide the accurate headcount of workers on duty.
Toxic and harmful gases under the mine shaft have exceeded safe limits for a long time, posing a risk of secondary disasters.
The company involved in the coal mine explosion was found with "serious violations of laws." Those responsible for the company have been placed under control. The company's coal mines have ceased production for safety overhaul, said Chen Xiangyang, mayor of Changzhi City, which administers Qinyuan. ■
A press conference on a coal mine gas explosion is held in north China's Shanxi Province, May 23, 2026. A total of 82 people have been confirmed dead while two others remained missing after a coal mine gas explosion in north China's Shanxi Province on Friday, according to a press conference on Saturday.
The gas explosion hit the Liushenyu coal mine in Qinyuan County at 7:29 p.m. on Friday. A total of 128 people are receiving treatment at hospitals. (Xinhua/Yuan Xun)
